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"WAR  DEPARTMENT, 
OFFICE  OF  THE  CHIEF  SIGNAL  OFFICER, 

WASHING-  :y,  D.  C.,  Jme  0, 18S1. 
Special  Orders') 

No.  00. ,      j 

I.  By  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War  the  following-named  officers  and 
enlisted  men  are  assigned  to  duty  as  the  expeditionary  force  to  Point  BafrbW, 
Alaska  Territory : 

IT.  First  Lieutenant  P.  H.  £ay,  8th  Infantry,  Acting  Signal  Officer,  is 
hereby  assigned  to  the  command  of  the  expedition,  and  is  charged  with  the 
execution  of  the  orders  and  instructions  given  below.  He  will  forward  all  re- 
ports and  observations  to  the  Chief  Signal  Officer,  who  is  charged  with  the 
control  and  supervision  of  the  expedition. 

III.  As  soon  as  practicable  Lieutenant  Ray  will  sail  with  his  party  from 
San  Francisco  for  Point  Barrow,  lat.  71-  27  N.,  long.  156D  15'  W.  ..  Beech, 
and  establish  there  a  permanent  station  of  observation,  to  be  occupied  until  the 
summer  of  1884,  when  he  will  return  here,  unless  other  orders  reach  him. 
The  vessel  conveying  him  to  his  destination  will  not  be  detained  at  the  per- 
mdnent  station  longer  than  is  necessary  to  unload  the  stores. 


Brig.  §•  Bvi.  Maj.  Gen'l, 

Chief  Signal  Officer,  V.  S.  A, 


1st  Lievt'  -1.7  Atiii' 

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WAR  DEPARTMENT, 

OFFICE  OF  THE  CHIEF  SIGNAL  OFFICER; 


WASHINGTON,  D.  0.,  June  0, 1881. 

INSTRUCTIONS  ~\ 

No.  00.       j 

The  following  general  and  detailed  instructions  will  govern  in  the  estab- 
lishment and  management  of  the  expedition  organized  under  Special  Orders 
No.  —^,  dated,  War  Department,  Office  of  the  Chief  Signal  Officer,  Wash- 
ington, D,  C.,  -  -.  1881. 

The  permanent  station  will  be  established  at  the  most  suitable  point  in  the 
vicinity,  and,  if  practicable,  at  or  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  Point 
Barrow  (Beechey),  Alaska  Territory.  (Latitude  71°  27'  N. ;  longitude  156a 
15'  W.) 

The  vessel  should,  on  arrival  at  the  permanent  station,  discharge  her  cargo 
with  the  utmost  dispatch  and  at  once  be  ordered  to  return  to  San  Francisco 
California.  Before  permitting  the  vessel  to  leave,  a  careful  examination  of  the 
vicinity  will  be  made  and  the  exact  site  chosen  for  the  permanent  station  will 
be  located  in  latitude  and  longitude,  and  a  report  in  writing  will  be  sent  by 
the  returning  vessel. 

By  the  same  means  will  be  sent  a  transcript  of  all  meteorological  and  other 
observations  made  during  the  voyage,  and  also  a  list  of  apparatus  and  stores 
known  to  be  broken,  missing  and  needed,  to  be  supplied  next  year. 

After  the  departure  of  the  vessel,  the  energies  of  the  party  should  first  be 
devoted  to  the  erection  of  the  houses  required  for  dwellings,  stores,  and  observ- 
atories. 

Careful  attention  will  be  given  to  the  collection  of  specimens  of  the  animal, 
mineral  and  vegetable  kingdoms.  These  collections  are  to  be  made  as  complete 
as  possible  and  are  to  be  considered  the  property  of  the  government  of  the 
United  States,  and  are  to  be  at  its  disposal. 

Special  instructions  regarding  the  meteorological,  magnetic,  tidal,  pendu- 
lum and  such  other  observations  as  were  recommended  by  the  Hamburg  Inter- 
national Polar  conference,  are  transmitted  herewith. 

It  is  contemplated  that  the  permanent  -station  shall  be  visited  in  1882, 1883 
and  1884  by  a  steam  or  sailing  vessel,  by  which  supplies  for,  and  such  additions 
to,  the  present  parly  as  are  deemed  needful  will  be  sent. 

Lists  of  stores,  required  to  be  sent  by  the  next  season's  vessel,  will  be 
forwarded  by  such  returning  boat. 


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The  subject  of  fuel  and  native  food-supply,  its  procurement  and  pre- 
servation, will  receive  your  full  and  careful  attention,  as  soon  after  the  estab- 
lishment of  your  posts,  as  practicable.  Full  reports  upon  this  subject  will  be 
expected. 

In  case  of  any  fatal  accident  or  permanent  disability  happening  to  Lieuten- 
ant Ray,  the  command  mil  devolve  on  the  officer  next  in  seniority,  who  will 
be  governed  by  these  instructions. 


Brig.  $  Btt.  Maj. 

Chief  Signal  Officer,  0.  S.  A, 


OFFICIAL  : 


Lieutenant,  2d  Artillery, 

Acting  Signal  Officer. 


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^  •-  *-' 


INSTRUCTIONS. 


GENERAL  INSTRUCTIONS  FOR  THE  COMMANDING  OFFICERS  OF  TflE  INTER- 
NATIONAL POLAR  STATIONS  OCCUPIED  BY  THE  SIGNAL  SERVICE  AT  POESTT 
BARROW,  ALASKA, 

1.  Regular  meteorological  and  other  observations  will  be  maintained  uninter- 
ruptedly, both  at  sea  and  at  the  permanent  station,  in  accordance  with  in- 
structions issued  to  Signal  Service  observer?  and  those  contained  in  the  accom- 
panying extract  from  the  proceedings  of  the  Hamburg  conference,  to  which 
special  notes  are  appended  where  needed. 

2.  The  or'ginal  record  of  these  observations  will  be  kept  in  the  blank  books 
supplied  for  this  purpose  and  a  fair  copy  of  the  corrected  and  reduced  results 
will  be  made  upon  Signal  Service  and  special  forms,  as  supplied  in  bound 
volumes. 

3.  At  sea  a  daily  record  will  be  kept,  by  dead-reckoning  and  astronomical 
observations,  of  the  latitude  and  longitude  of  the  vessel,  by  which  the  posi- 
tions at  the  times  of  meteorological  observations  will  be  deduced,  and  on  arriv- 
ing at  the  permanent  station  the  local  time  and  longitude  will  be  immediately 
determined,-  whence  the  Washington  and  Gottingen  times  will  be  found  by  ap- 
plying the  corrected  longitude. 

4.  All  meteorological  and  tidal  observations  will  be  made  at  exact  hours  of 
"Washington  civil  time — (the  longitude  of  Washington  Observatory  is  5".  8m. 
12!:09  west  of  Greenwich).  The  regular  magnetic  observations  will  be  made  at 
even  hours  and  minutes  of  Gottingen  mean  time — (Gottingen  is  0*.  39m.  46".24 
feast  of  Greenwich,  or  5h.  47m.  58'.33  east  of  Washington :   whence  12  noon; 
"Washington  time,  is  simultaneous  with  5\  47m.  5S*.33  p.  m.  Gottingen  time,  or 
&*.  12™.  1'.67  a.  m.  Washington  time  is  simultaneous  with  12  noon  at  Gottin- 
gen). 

If  hourly  meteorological  observations  of  all  these  phenomena  cannot  be 
taken,  then  if  possible,  take  bi-hoUrly  observations  at  the  hours  1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11  a. 
m.  and  p.  in.,  or  at  least  six  observations  at  3,  7,  and  11  a.  m.,  and  p.  m.  On  no 
account  will  the  meteorological  observation  at  7  a.  m.,  Washington  time,  be 
omitted. 

5.  Upon  arrival  at  the  permanent  station  the  local  time  and  longitude  will 
be  determined  at  once,  without  waiting  for  the  erection  of  permanent  shelters, 
which  will  be  built  for  the  meteorological,  magnetic  and  astronomical  instru- 
ments according  to  the  plans  and  material  as  specfied. 

The  meteorological  and  astronomical  observatories  will  be  located  con- 
veniently near  to  the  dwelling  of  the  observers,  but  that  of  the  magnetic 


> 


.observatory  will  be  determined  by  the  consideration  that  these  instruments 
must  be  removed  from  all  dangar  of  being  affected  by  the  presence  of  steel 
or  iron,  including  galvanized  and  tinned  iron.  If  needed  to  keep  off  in- 
truders, a  guard  or  fence  should  surround  the  magnetic  observatory. 

6.  The  observation  of  tides  will  be  made  as  complete  as  possible  in  sum- 
mer by  a  gauge  on  the  shore,  and  in  winter  through  an  opening  in  the  ice,  ac- 
cording to  the  instructions  furnished  by  the  Superintendent  of  the  United  States 

C  oast  and  Geodetic  Survey.  The  necessity  fcr  observing  the  tides  will  suggest 
that  the  dwelling-house  should  be  located  as  near  the  sea  as  is  safe  and  con- 
venient. 

7.  In  addition  to  the  ship's  log  and  the  official  journal  of  the  party,  to 
be  kept  by  the  commanding  officer,  and  the  official  record  of  observations, 
to  be  kept  by  the  meteorological,  magnetic,  tidal,  and  astronomical  observers, 
each  member  of  the  party  will  be  furnished  with  a  diary,  in  which  he  will 
record  all  such  incidents  as  specially  interest  him.     The  diary  will  not  be 
open  to  inspection  until  delivered  to  the  Chief  Signal  Officer  for  his  sole  use  in 
compiling  the  full  record  of  the  Expedition. 

8.  Accurate  representations,  either  by  the  photographic  process  or  sketching, 
will  be  made  of  all  phenomena  of  an  unusual  character,  or  that  is  character- 
istic of  the  country. 

9.  Carefully  prepared  topographical  maps  will  be  made  of  as  much  of  the 
surrounding  country  as  is  practicable. 

DETAILED   INSTRUCTIONS  CONCERNING  OBSERVATIONS,  INSTRUMENTS  AND 
TIME,  BY  THE  INTERNATIONAL  POLAR  CONFERENCE,  HAMBURG,  1879,  OtfT. 

1ST   TO  5TH. 

[Translated  at  the  office  of  the  Chief  Signal  Officer,  with  added  notes  in  italics.} 
1:   OBLIGATORY   OBSERVATIONS   IN  THE   DOMAES   OF   METEOROLOGY. 

No.  17.  TemperatiiK:  >f  the  Alt':  The  mercurial  thermometers  should  be 
graduated  to  two-tenths  degrees  Centigrade,  and  the  alcohol  thermometers  to 
whcle  degrees,  and  both  verified  at  a  central  meteorological  station  to  within 
one-tenth  degree  Centigrade. 

The  thermometers  furnished  are  graduated  to  Fahrenheit;  they  have  beeii 
compared  with  the  Signal  Service  standard,  and  are  provided  with  correction 
cards. 

No.  18.  The  instruments  should  be  placed  at  an  altitude  of  between  1.5 
and  2.0  meters  (5  to  6  feet),  and  it  is  recommended  that  they  be  exposed  in  a 
double  shelter  of  lattice  work,  according  to  Wild's  method.  The  outer  shelter 
to  be  of  wood,  the  inner  of  metal.  The  observations  of  minimum  thermoni- 
eters  can  be  made  under  various  conditions. 

The  shelters  furnished  consist  of  an  outer  'n-ooden  touvre  work  and  an  inner 
galvanized  iron  shelter,  both  framed  so  as  to  be  easily  set  up.  The  minimuir. 
temperatures  at  various  altitudes  above  ground  will  be  observed,  and  Under  swfa 
Various  conditions  a-s  circumstance*  suggest. 


"No,  19.  The  alcohol  thermometer*  ought  to  be  compared  at  the  station  of 
observation  with  the  standard  mercurial  thermometer  at  the  -lowest  possible 
temperatures.* 

No.  20.  Sea  temperatures  should  be  observed,  whenever  possible,  at  the  sur- 
face and  at  each  10  meters  (about  33  feet)  of  depth  ;  as  instruments,  proper 
for  this  observation,  the  following  may  be  specified :  deep-sea-thermometers,  as 
manufactured  or  invented  by  Ekmann ;  Negretti  &  Zambra ;  Miller — Ca- 
sella;  Jansen. 

While  at  sea  the  temperature  of  the  surface-water  will  be  observed  hourly,  with 
the  Signal  Service  water  thermometer,  by  the  ordinary  methods,  and  the  tempera- 
ture at  each  33  feet  of  depth,  whenever  practicable ;  for  greater  depths,  one  of  the 
above  deep-sea  instruments  will  be  used. 

No.  21.  The  point  Oe  centigrade,  [32°  Fahrenheit,]  for  all  the  thermome- 
ters, should  be  determined  from  time  to  time. 

The  testing  of  thermometers  will  be  made  quarterly,  according  to  the  usual 
Signal  Service  rules. 

No.  22i  Pressure  of  the  Air. — At  each  station  there  must  be  at  least  two 
well-compared  mercurial  barometers,  a  reserve  barometer  and  an  aneroid. 

No.  23.  The  standard  barometer  ought  to  be  compared  or  read  once  each 
day. 

Several  mercurial  and  aneroid  barometers  are  furnished^  and  al'  epular 
observations  will  be  made  from  a  mercurial  barometer,  selected  'O  them-, 

ivhich  will  be  compared,  once  each  day,  with  the  standard  bamm.:?*:  A  I  barom- 
eters u-ill  be  fully  compared  with  the  standard  once  each  month;  ii.t.i  comparatirr 
readings  will  be  entered  on  the  regular  Signal  Service  forms  for  this  purpose. 

No.  24.  Itumidity. — The  psychrometers  (i.  e.  dry  and  wet  bulb)  anu 
hygrometer  will  be  used  with  Regnault's  dew-point  apparatus  as  a  check,  ac- 
cording to  Wild's  instructions. 

Comparative  readings,  with  these  instruments,  will  be  frequently  made  and 
carefully  preserved  for  future  study. 

No.  25.  The  Wind. — The  wind-vane  and  Robinson's  anemometer  are  to  be 
read  from  within  the  house  (see  the  method  of  construction  of  the  apparatus 
of  the  Swedish  station  at  Spitzbergen),  at  the  same  time,  the  force  of  the  wind 
will  be  estimated  according  to  the  Beaufort  scale  and  the  wind-direction  to  16 
Compass  points,  referred  to  the  true  meridian: 

The  points  of  the  compass  on  the  wind-dial  will  be  adjusted  to  the  true 
meridian  as  is  ordered  for  all  Signal  Service  stations;  self-registering  instru- 
ments of  the  Signal  Service  pattern  for  the  velocity  and  direction  of  the  wind  to 
eight  point-s  will  be  used.  A  record  of  wind-force  on  the  Beaufort  scale  (0  to 
12),  and  wind-direction  to  16  points  will  also  be  kept  and  will  be  entered  in  the 
special  column. 

*For  notes  on  special  thermometers,  prepared  lor  ttie  Signal  Service  Stations,  see  special 
instructions,  published  on  page  9'. 


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No.  26.  To  aid  in  deciding  the  question  whether  the  Robinson's  anemome- 
ter, with  large  or  with  small  cups,  should  be  used  for  determining  the  force 
of  storms  in  the  Polar  zone,  it  is  recommended  that  both  such  be  subjected  to 
preliminary  experiments, 

Anemometers  of  the  Signal  Service  pattern,  having  small  cups  and  short  arms, 
are  the  only  ones  that  it  is  convenient  to  furni-sh.  for  comparative  purposes 
keep  two  of  these  in  permanent  daily  use,  exposing  them  in  different  but  good 
localities.  The  extra  anemometers  should  be  compared  irith  these  during  24 
hours  on  the  first  Monday  of  each  month,  and  a  full  record  be  kept  of  such  com- 
parisons. 

No.  27.  The  Clouds. — The  amount  of  cloudiness  and  the  direction  of  the 
movement  of  all  clouds  should  be  observed  to  16  compass  points. 

In  addition,  the  kinds  of  clouds  will  be  noted,  and  the  record  kept  in  the  usual 
Signal  Service  form. 

No.  28.  Precipitation. — The  commencement  and  duration  of  rain,  snow, 
hail,  &c.,  and,  when  possible,  the  amount  of  precipitation  is  to  be  observed. 
As  to  the  amount,  however,  this  is  not  obligatory  in  winter. 

There  will  be  recorded  regularly,  and  if  practicable  hourly,  the  amount  of  pre- 
cipitation, measured  if  possible,  otherwise  estimated. 

No.  29.  The  Weather. — Storms,  thunder-storms,  hail,  fog,  frost,  dew,  &e., 
and  the  optical  phenomena  of  the  atmosphere  ought  to  be  recorded. 

2.    OBLIGATORY  OBSERVATION  I*  THE  DOMAIN  OF  TERRESTRIAL  MAGNETISiL 

No.  30.  Absolute  Determinations. — For  declination  and  inclination  it  is  neces- 
sary to  attain  an  accuracy  of  1.0  minute,  for  horizontal  intensity  of  0.001. 
The  proper  instruments  are  for  example — the  portable  Theodolite  of  Laniont 
and  the  ordinary  dip-needles. 

Nci.  31.  The  absolute  observations  must  be  executed  inclose  connection  and 
synchronous  with  the  readings  of  the  variations  instruments,  in  order  to  be 
able  to  reduce  the  data  given  by  the  latter  to  an  absolute  normal  value,  and  to 
determine  the  zero  point  of  the  scales.  The  determinations  must  be  made  so 
frequently  that  the  changes  in  the  absolute  value  of  the  zero  point  of  the  scales 
of  the  variations  apparatus  can  be  accurately  checked  thereby. 

No.  32.  Observations  of  Variations. — These  ought  to  include  the  three  ele- 
ments and  be  made  by  means  of  instruments,  with  small  needles,  in  contrast  to 
the  apparatus  of  Gauss.  In  order  to  obtain  an  uninterrupted  reciprocal  control, 
two  complete  sets  of  variations  instruments  are  desirable,  and  recommended,  in 
order  to  avoid  any  interruption  of  the  observations,  by  reason  of  breakage, 
derangement,  $c. 

One  set  of  these  instrument*  is  now  provided,  but  a  second  set  will  be  sent  in 
1882. 

33.  The  horizontal  intensity  in  one,  at  least,  of  these  systems  should  T>e  ob- 
served with  the  unifilar  apparatus.  Because  of  the  magnitude  of  the  per- 


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turbations  to  be  observed,  the  scales  of  the  variations  instruments  must  have 
at  least  a  range  of  10  degrees,  and  the  arrangements  are  to  be  so  made  that  the 
greatest  possible  simultaneity  of  the  readings  may  be  achieved. 

34.  During  the  entire  period  of  occupancy  of  the  station  the  variations  in- 
struments will  be  read  hourly.     It  is  desirable  that  two  readings  be  made,  for 
instance,  just  before  and  after  the  full  hour,  with  an  interval  of  a  few  minutes 
between. 

35.  "Weyprecht  presented  the  following  separate  note  on  this  point :  "  Since 
it  appears  to  me  that  in  these  regions  of  almost  perpetual  disturbances,  hourly 
readings,  made  at  moments  not  well  defined,  are  insufficient  to  establish  mean 
values  accurately  expressing  the  local  perturbations  for  a  given  epoch,  (which 
data  ought  to  serve  as  a  means  of  comparison  with  other  localities,)  and  in 
consideration  of  the  slight  increase  of  labor  which  will  be  caused  by  taking 
readings  at  precise  moments,  I  cannot  agree  with  the  views  of  the  majority  of 
the  Conference." 

"I  state  that  at  least  the  expedition  conducted  by  myself  will  take  readings 
hourly  of  all  three  variations  instruments  at  58™"1. 0"*. ;  59""".  0*°. ;  GO"""1. 0"°. ; 
gjmin^  Q«*  .  ggmi^  0*,*  .  Gottingen  mean  time/' 

[Signed]  "WfeYPRECHT;" 

Observations  will  be  taken  a-s  specified  by  Weyprecht. 

Sfi;  As  term  days,  the  1st  and  15th  day  of  each  month  will  be  observed 
from  midnight  to  midnight,  Gottingen  time.  The  readings  will  be  taken  at 
intervals  of  5  minutes,  always  on  the  full  minutes,  and  the  three  elements 
are  to  be  read  with  all  possible  rapidity,  one  after  the.  Other,  in  the  following 
order:  1.  Horizontal  intensity ;  2.  Declination;  3.  Vertical  intensity; 

37.  i'or  these  term  days,  the  plan  of  magnetic  work  should  comprehend 
continuous  readings,  for  instance,  readings  every  20  seconds— throughout  one 
•Whole  hour — even  though  only  one  magnetic  element  be  observed.  It  is  the 
Opinion  of  the  Conference  that  the  observations  should  begin  so  that  one  of 
the  hours  of  observation  shall  agree  with  the  first  hour  of  the  l£t  of  January, 
and  that  during  the  entire  period  of  magnetic  work  the  hours  devoted  to  this 
continuous  observation  should  be  changed  on  each  successive  semi-monthly 
term  day. 

38;  The  accuracy  of  the  magnetic  observations  should  be  such  as  to  give 
the  declination  to  the  nearest  minute  and  the  horizontal  and  vertical  intensity 
in  units  of  the  fouf  th  decimal  piace. 

39.  On  the  term  days,  observations  of  auroras  are"  also  to  be  made  contin- 
uously.   Moreover,  auroras  are  also  to  be  observed  from,  hour  to  hour  through* 
out  the  period  of  magnetic  observations,  and  especially  in  reference  to  their 
form  and  momentary  position  in  altitude  and  true  azimuth.     The  intensity  of 
the  light  is  to  be  estimated  on  si  scale  of  1,  2, 3;  4. 

No.  40;  Isolated  auroral  phenomena  ulust  be  inside  the  subject  of  thorough 


! 


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a 

observation  in  connection  with  which  the  various  phases  are  to  be  noted  simultar 
neously  with  readings  of  the  magnetic  variation  instruments. 

Those  of  the  party  not  engaged  at  the  magnetic  instruments  will  observe  and 
record  auroral  phenomena. 

No.  41.  Since  the  greatest  possible  simultaneity  in  the  readings  is  a  point 
of  the  highest  importance,  the  determinations  of  the  location  and  of  the  time 
are  to  be  made  with  instruments  having  firm  foundations  (such  as  the  universal 
instrument  or  astronomical  theodolite,  the  vertical  circle,  zenith  telescope,  astro- 
nomical transit,  &c.)  this,  however,  does  not  exclude  the  use  of  .reflecting  in- 
struments of  a  superior  class.  By  all  means,  therefore,  must  efforts  be  made  to 
determine  the  geographical  position  and  especially  the  longitude  of  the  station 
as  soon  as  possible  after  it  has  been  occupied. 

The  first  approximate  longitude  of  the  station,  as  determined  by  chronometers> 
will  be  checked  as  frequently  as  possible  by  lunar  distances,  occupations,  &c.,  and 
the  value  adopted  in  the  daily  work  of  the  station  will  be  revised  as  often  as 
necessary,  preferably  at  the  e»d  of  each  quarter.  The  details  of  the  magnetic 
observations  will  be  regulated  according  to  the  instructions  received  from  the 
Superintendent  of  the  United  States  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey. 

3.  ELECTIVE  OBSERVATIONS. 

No.  42.  The  Conference  recommends  the  following  observations  and  investi- 
gations most  earnestly  to  the  consideration  of  all  those  to  whom  is  entrusted 
the  preparation  of  instructions  for  an  expedition  or  who  themselves  are  as- 
signed to  such  work. 

No.  43.  Meteorological. — The  diminution  of  temperature  with  altitude,  the 
temperature  of  the  earth,  of  the  snow  and  of  the  ice  at  the  different  depths 
should  be  determined. 

The  forms  of  the  mow  crystals  should  be  recorded  by  careful  draioings ;  the 
amount  of  hoar-frost  accumulated  on  some  ivett-exposed  object  should  be  measured 
by  the  use  of  the  scales  furnished  by  the  medical  department.  Provisions  \rill  be 
will  be  made  for  the  preservation  of  air  and  of  air-dust  for  future  analysis. 

No.  44.  Observations  of  insolation  (or  solar  radiation")  are  to  be  made,  as 
well  as  observations  on  spontaneous  evaporation,  which  latter  can  be  made 
during  the  winter  by  weighing  cubes  of  ice,  and  during  the  summer  by  the 
evaporimeters. 

A  shallow  circular  vessel  of  water,  whether  fluid  or  frozen,  exposed  to  the  open 
air  and  sunshine,  should  have  its  loss  of  iveight  determined,  daily  or  oftener, 
by  delicate  scales. 

No.  45.  Afagnetical. — From  time  to  time  absolute  simultaneous  readings  of 
all  three  elements  of  terrestrial  magnetism  must  be  made  in  order  to  accurately 
determine  the  ratio  between  the  simultaneous  changes  of  the  horizontal  and 
those  of  Vertical  intensity. 

46.  Galvanic  Earth  Currents. — Observations  are  desired  of  earth  currents 
in  intimate  connection  with  magnetic  observations  and  the  auroral  phenomena. 


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felegraph  lines  of  weU  insulated  wire  extending  a  short  distance  N.  and  8.. 
and  ako  E.  and  W.  and  furnished  with  resistance  coils  and  deflection  needles 
are  supplied,  qnd  every  effort  slwutd  be  made  to  carry  out  these  observations. 

47.  Ifydrographie     Investigations. — Qbservations    of   the  direction    and 
Strength  of  the  ocean  currents  and  the  movements  of  the  ice. 

48.  Deep  Sea  Soundings  and  observations  upon  the  physical  properties  of 
the  sea  water,  for  instance,  determination  of  the  temperature,  specie  density, 
gaseous  contents,  &c.,  and  these  objects  should  he  especially  kept  in  view  in 
jhe  selection  of  a  vessel  for  the  expedition.    Observations  on  tides,  when  pos- 
sible, should  be  made  with  the  self-registering  apparatus. 

With  regard  to  tidal  observations,  the  instructions  of  the  Superintendent  of  the 
J7nited  States  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey  are  to  be  followed.     Glass  stoppered 
bottles  are  provided  for  preserving  specimens  of  sea  water  to  b.e  brought  back 
for  examination. 

49.  Parallaq  of  the  Aurora. — Determination  snquld  be  made  of  the  alti- 
tude of  the  aurora  by  means  of  measurements  made  for  example  with  the 
Meteorograph,  which  must  be  made  by  small  detached  parties  of  observation, 
having  also,  if  possible,  one  party  observing  simultaneously  the  variations  of 
magnetic  declination. 

Particular  attention  will  be  paid  to  determining  the  apparent  position  in  atti- 
tude and  azimuth  of  bright  meteors  and  shooting  stars  and  of  definite  portions  of 
the  aurora  borealis  and  to  drawings  of  ike  appearances  presented  by  the  phe* 
uomena  as  seen  by  observers  situated  as  far  apart  (say  one-half  to  five  miles)  as 
possible ;  in  these  drawings  the  auroral  phenomena  should  appear  in  their  proper 
positions  relatively  to  the  horizon,  meridian,  .fixed  stow,  &c.,  and  to  that  end 
each  member  of  the  party,  without  exception,  will  learn  the  names  and  config- 
urations of  the  stays  shown  upon  the  map  of  stars  furnished  you.  A  supply 
of  these  maps  is  furnished,  sufficient  to  allow  of  using  them  as  base  charts  upon 
ichich  to  enter  the  observed  phenomena  in  special  cases.  Attention  is  called  to  the 
points  of  inquiry  suggested  in  the  Annual  Report  of  the  Chief  Signal  Officer, 
1875,  #p.301-335. 

50.  Observation?  of  1,  atmospheric  electricity ;  2,  astronomical    and  ter- 
restrial refractions ;  3,  length  of  the  simple  second's  pendulum ;  4,  observa- 
tions on  the  formation  and  growth  of  floating  ice  and  glaciers. 

Attention  is  called  to  the  observations  on  the  formation  of  ice  made  by  Nares 
and  other  explorers. 

51.  Observations  and  collections  in  the  realms  of  Zoology,  Botany,  Geol- 
ogy, &c. 

The  instructions  given  by  Professor  Spencer  F.  Baird  to  the  naturalist  will  be 
followed  by  him. 

52.  There  will  also  be  made  such  other  special  observations  relating  to  the 
whole  Polar  problem,  such  as  the  flight  of  birds,  presence  of  drift  wood,  and 
from  what  direction  it  came,  and  other  matters  as  may  suggest  themselves  from 
time  to  time  aud  be  found  practicable. 


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10 

4.   INSTRUCTIONS  RELATIVE  TO  CARE  AM)  USE  OF  SPECIAL  THERMOMETERS. 

(See paragraph  I1), page  ±») 

53.  The  construction  of  the  minimum  standard  thermometers  designed  for  the 
Arctic  stations,  having  been  entrusted  to  the  Thermometric  Bureau  of  the 
Winchester  Observatory  of  Yale  College,  the  Astronomer  in  charge  of  that 
institution  furnishes  the  following  special  instructions,  which  will  be  carefully 
followed : 

"New  HAVEN,  May  30,  1881. 

"GENERAL  REMARKS  AND  DIRECTIONS  CONCERNING  THE  SIGNAL  SERVICE 
MINIMUM  STANDARDS,  NOS.  1  TO  12  INCLUSIVE,  CONSTRUCTED  BY  THE 
WINCHESTER  OB8ER7ATOBY  OF  YALE  COLLEGE,— *J.  AND  H.  J.  GREEN, 
MECHANICIANS. 

"Materiak. — The  alcohol,  carbon  disulphide,  and  ethyl  oxide  used;  are  as 
pure  as  the  chemical  processes  will  admit.  For  thermonletric  purposes  they 
may  be  assumed  chemically  pure.  There  is  no  more  air  above  the  liquid 
columns  than  is  accidentally  admitted  in  the  process  of  sealing  the  tubes.  In 
this  respect  these  standards  are  different  from  the  ordinary  spirit  thermometers. 
It  is  probable  that  the  great  purity  of  the  alcohol  will  render  it  nearly  as 
valuable  for  temperatures  below  —^80°  I*,  as  the1  carbon  and  ether  thermom- 
eters; 

"Directions  for  Carriage.— -It  is  highly  desirable  that  these  thermometers 
should  be  kept,  as  nearly  as  possible,  in  the  same  condition  as  in  leaving  the 
observatory.  For  this  purpose  they  have  been  carefully  packed  in  a  vertical 
position,  and  care  must  be  taken  to  see  that  they  are  so  repacked,  with  the 
buffi  down.  Owing  to  the  low  boiling-points  bf  the  ether  and  carbon  disul- 
phide they  are  hot  (probably)  accurate  at  temperatures  above  ^60°  F.,  but 
they  will  remain  clear  and  limpid  at  temperatures  below  zero,  at  which  the 
alcohol  thermometers  may  (but  hardly  probably)  show  Viscidity.  It  is  desir- 
able therefore  that  preference  be  given  to  these  standards  over  any  other 
standards  for  extremely  low  temperatures,  and  in  establishing  the  meteoro- 
logical observatory  at  which  the  greatest  cold  is  expected,  special  attention 
should  be  given  to  the  ether  and  carbon  disulphide  thermometers. 

"  Suggestions  in  tfieir  use. — Before  mounting  these  barometers  in  their  sta- 
tions, they  should  be  carefully  swung  or  jarred  so  that  no  spirit  can  be  detected 
(with  a  magnifying  glass)  adhering  to  their  upper ^erids.  They  should  be  in- 
clined (with  the  bulb  end  nearest  the  grourid)  as  fa*r  as  it  is  safe,  and  have  the 
index  stand  in  its  place,  by  its  own  friction  against  the  side  of  the  tube,  so 
that  the  drainage  may  be  as  perfect  as  possible.* 

"  Att  readings  should  be  recorded  in  mW.imeters  and  it  should  be  remembered 
that  the  accompanying  tabular  corrections  (see  the  correction  cards)  are 
hieant  to  give  only  approximate  temperatures.  A  careful  comparison  of 
all  the  thermometers  froni  1  to  12  has  beeii  made  between  0  and  90°  and 


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peratures below  0°  F. 

'  "  These  are  probably  the  best  thermometers  ever  sent  into  the  Arctic  regions 
and  special  care  should  be  taken  to  insure  the  safe  return  of  the  records,  and 
though  less  important,  the  instruments." 

*  This  method  conforms  to  that  followed  at  al|  signal  stations  with  minimum  ther- 
mometers, except  as  to  degree  of  inclination,  wherein  Uiese  suggestions  should*  be  most* 
Carefully  followed. 


MEMORANDUM  0?  OUTFIT, 

^ 

LIST  OF  APPARATUS  TO  BE  FURNISHED  TO  POJNT  RARROW, 


•    OJEOGRAPH^CAL  AND  ASTRQXOSpCAL  APPARATUS. 

1  Surveyor's  Compass  and  Tripod. 
}  100-  feet  Chain  or  Steel  Tape. 
'2  Prismatic  Compasses. 
1  Set  of  Pins. 

1  Altitude  and  Azimuth. 
}  Meridian  Transit. 

2  Extra  Level  Tubes  for  low  temperatures. 

3  Sextants, 

3  Artificial  Horizons. 

8  Marine  Chronometers — mean  time.  (  Rated  at  various  temperatures  at 

1  "  — siderial.       •<  the    Horological  Bureau  of  the 

2  Pocket  "  — mean  time.  (  Observatory  of  Yale  College. 

I  House  (Astronomical  Observatory).     [Plan  to  be  supplied.] 
Charts  of  the  Alaska  coast  from  the  United  States  Coast  and  Geodetic 
Survey. 

MAGNETIC  APPARATUS. 

1  Complete  Magnetometer — Fauth  &  Co. — unifilar  declinometer — cat' 
alogue  No.  70,  price  8400,  extra  light  needles  and  mirror  for  auroral 
disturbances. 

1  Dip  Circle. 

1  Magnetic  Observatory  Building  (see  plan). 

TIDAL  APPARATUS. 

1  Level  and  Staff. 

ys  and  Weight  and  float. 
•  vjiosi  Stoppered  Bottles  for  specimens  of  sea- water. 


12 

PENDULUM  APPARATUS. 

Pendulum  apparatus  will  be  carried  and  used  by  a  special  temporary 
party  from  the  United  States  Coast  and  Geodetic  Survey. 

DEEP  SEA   SOUNDING. 

(Witt  be  left  to  the  U.  S.  Coast  Survey.) 

METEOBOLOGICAL  APPARATUS. 

1  Instrument  Shelter  of  open  wooden  louvre  work,  made  in  sections  («efe 
plan). 

1  Inner  Thermometer  Shelter  of  open  galvanized  iron  louvre  work,  made 

in  sections  (see  plan). 
12  Mercurial  Thermometers,  ordinary  stem  divided. 

2  Metallic  Thermometers. 

12  Spirit  Thermometers,  ordinary  stem  divided. 

6  Mercurial  Thermometers,  maximum  stem  divided. 

6  Spirit  Thermometers,  minimum  stem  divided. 

6  Special  Minimum  Thermometers,  from  Yale  College; 

4  Psychrometers,  mercurial,  wet-bulb. 

2  Dew  point  Apparatus ;  Begnault's  as  modified  by  Alluard. 

6  Water  Thermometers  and  3  cases,  Signal  Service  pattern,  for  surface 
temperatures.  f 

2  Deep  Sea  Thermometers  by  Miller-Casella. 

2  pairs  Marie- Davy's  Conjugate  Thermometers  for  solar  radiation. 

2  pairs  Violle's  Conjugate  Bulbs  for  solar  radiation. 

2  Hicks'  Thermometers  for  terrestrial  radiation. 

2  Mercurial  Marine  Barometers. 

4  Mercurial  Cistern  Barometers,  (Green,  Signal  Service  pattern),  large 
bore,  reading  to  thousandths. 

6  Aneroid  Barometers,  (Casella's  make); 

2  Hair  Hygrometers. 

2  Self-registers  for  Anemometers  and  Anemoscopes  (Signal  Service  pat- 
tern— Gibbon  or  Eccard). 

6  extra  attached  Thermometers  for  barometers. 

6  extra  barometer  tabes  for  barometers. 

4  Rain-gauges,  2  copper  and  2  galvanized  iroti. 

4  Divided  Sticks  for  measuring  raifl  and  sflow. 
10  Ibs  pure  Mercury. 

4  Anemometers  (Robinson's)  to  replace  those  worn  out  or  broken. 

4  Arms  and  caps  and  4  spindles,  for  Robinson's  Anemometer,  for  repairs,' 

2  Vanes,  to  sdpply  breaka'ge. 

10  Battery  cells  (Eagle)  arid  supplies  for  same  for  three  years; 
5,000  yards  Insulated  "Wire. 

4  Telephones  and  2  call  bells: 


A  \, ' 

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*  I  ^  1 1 1  f  I  I 


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13 

feet  cable,  for  the  self-register. 
4  Box  Sounders. 
1  Delicate  Scale  and  one  Medicine  Chest  (from  Medical  Department). 

Apparatus  for  collecting  air  and.  atmospheric  d.ust. 


SIGNAL 

2  Qrugan's  I$eliograj)hs. 

4  Sets  Signal  Kits  complete. 

fi  Signal  Code  Cards,  and  other  items  as  on  list  of  Lieijt.  Craig. 

JILANK    BOOKS   AJ[D    fORMS. 

12  diaries  for  1881,  J882  and  1883,  respectively,  on,e  to  be  kept  by  each,  man, 
250  Books  for  original  record  of  meteorological  obseryations. 

5Q  blank  books  for  magnetic  observations,  allowing  2  pages  daily  an^  extr§ 
pages  on  special  dajrs. 

go  blank  books  for  tidal  observations,  allp,^nng  1  Page  $&i\J- 

25  blank  books  for  astronomical  observations. 

50  volumes  Form  4,  for  copy  of  original  record. 
300  star  charts,  for  auroras,  $c. 
100  forms  for  comparison  of  barometers. 
800  Forms  for  Anemometer  Register. 

BOOKS. 

Instructions  to  Observers,  Signal  Service,  U.  S,  A. 
Annual  Reports  of  the  Chief  Signal  Officer,  from  1873  to  1880  inclusive, 
Loomis'  Treatise  on  Meteorology. 
Buchan's  Handy  Book  of  Meteorology, 
Kaemtz's  Meteorology  (Walker's  translation). 
Mohn's  Meteorology  (original  German). 
Schmld's  Meteorology  (original  German). 
Smithsonian  Instructions  for  register  of  periodical  phenomena. 
Smithsonian  Miscellaneous  Collection,  Vol.  I. 
Guyot's  Meteorological  and  Physical  Tables. 
Crelle's  Multiplication  Tables. 

Blanford's  Indian  Meteorologist's,  Vade  Mecum,  parte  I,  II,  III, 
Loomis'  Practical  Astronomy. 
Chauvenet's  Practical  Astronomy. 
Bowditch's  Navigator. 
Bowditch's  Useful  Tables. 
Lee's  Collection  of  Tables  and  Formula. 
American  Nautical  Almanac  for  1881,  1882  and  1883. 
Admiralty  Manual  of  Scientific  Inquiry,  4th  Ed. 
Admiralty  Manual  and  Instructions  for  Arctic  Expedition,  1875. 
Nare's  etc.,  Reports  of  English  Arctic  Expedition. 
Nare's  Narrative  of  Voyage  to  Polar  Sea,  London,  1878. 


Ks     "       v.  TIM  • 

SX     ','v,  •„ 


T-^-J^ 


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Ball's  Meteorology  of  Alaska  from  Pacific  coast  Pilot  U.  S.  0.  CK  S. 

Pall's  Resources  of  Alaska. 

Harkness  on  Sextants,  United  States  Jfayal  Observatory,  observations 
for  186,9,  Appendix  1,  pages  51  to  57. 

Charts  U.  S.  Hydrog.  office  tfo.  68,  and.  Brit.  Adm.  Ifos.  593,  2,164, 
3,435. 

Chambers'  Descriptive  Astronomy. 

Bemiker's  edition  of  Vega's  logarithmic  Tables, 

Barlow's  Tables. 

W.  S,  Harris'  Rudimentary  Magnetism. 

Bchott's  Coast  Survey  Papers  on  Time,  Latitude,  Longitude,  Magnetics. 

Everett's  Translation  of  Deschanel. 

Jenkin.    Electricity  and  Magnetism,  4th  ed.,  N.  Y.,  1879. 

Reports  of  United  States  Fish  Commission  on  Dredging, 

Sigsbee  on  Deep  Sea  Sounding,  etc.  (United  States  Coast  Survey  Report.) 

Markbam's  Collection  of  Papers  Relating  to  Arctic  Geography,  Lon- 
don, 1877. 

Scbott's  Reduction  of  Observations,  by  Hayes  and  Sonntag. 

Dr.  Kane. 
"  McClintock. 

Manual  of  Military  Telegraphy. 

Myer's  Manual  of  Signals. 

Pope's  Modern  Practice  of  Electric  Telegraphy. 

Stationary  as  ordinarily  supplied. 

Drawing  Paper  and  Instruments. 

6  Dark  Lanterns  for  observers  use  (brass). 


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